Coming at ya! Another beautiful Michigan experience! Sleeping bear Dune's is one of the most unique things we have experienced up to date! Get ready to spend a few days relaxing with the family and enjoying the sites.
First off- where to stay!
We opted for tent camping this weekend and found a beautiful place right near the lake shore!
D.H. Day campground - They do have day spots but also overnight. They have porta-potty style restrooms but no hook ups for water or electricity They had ice available upfront and fire wood. We were lucky enough to get a site that was right by the trail out to the beach. Perfect for sunset! We also loved how wooded the campsites all were. Highly recommend if you like rustic camping.
Airbnb also has some great other options to stay near by:
Sweetheart Beach Cottage Hill Haven Cabin
Dome House
Next- Where to eat!
We brought some food for our campsite (see our menu here). We also wanted to enjoy some of the local stops. Here are our kid friendly favorites:
Shipwreck Cafe: Perfect place to stop for dinner or lunch - before or after your hike to Empire Bluff Trail (see below info). Delicious sandwiches and they have ice cream too!
Good Harbor Grill: This was a great dinner stop for us. We got to sit outside, listen to some music, have a drink and let the girls dance to some live music. Fun, chill atmosphere and good food! MI22 Wine Patio: Perfect vibes for any MI lover! You'll find all kinds a goodies you will want as souvenirs. Make sure and check out their wine patio and have a chill moment.
Last but not least- Exploring and Hiking!
Sleeping bear Dunes Area-
If you are local to MI you've probably found many places with beautiful sand dunes. These dunes are still able to blow anyone's mind! This hike is 3.6 mile hard hike. The climb is the hardest part. You can just do the climb and still get the benefit of the beautiful views (which is more like .50 up straight up).
Health Tip: Be sure you are hydrated and physically fit to do this. The reward is great but the climb is hard!
Empire Hike - This is a 1.5 mile hike that is perfect for the family. Our girls loved doing this hike because of the clearly marked trail and steps. Make sure and leave some time for the vista at the top for your kids to explore and take pictures! The benches make a perfect resting spot before your way back down. We hit a pretty cloudy day so couldn't see the whole view- but still so worth it! Click on the link for Empire Hike above and see more pictures on a clear day!
Again the MI22 Store has a great photo opp backdrop for all you grammers as well as great MI lover souvenirs!
Fishtown (Leland, MI) -
One evening we headed to Fishtown (about 45 min drive from our campsite). This little town is just the quaintest little town you've ever seen. Be sure when you are down by the dam you check out the "Dam Candy Shop" for some AMAZING ice cream and candy!
Clay Cliffs Trail Head - This is an awesome nearby hike to Leland See more info here!
Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station-
This beach has a fun ship to explore and will get you right next to the bluest of water. Be sure and find some time to sit, relax and look for beautiful stones! The kids will love this beach.
